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Top 3 Places to Travel Abroad When Accessibility Is a Must

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Since the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was drafted in 2006, nearly the entire world has signed it and a good chunk also decided to ratify. Great! But 11 years later, progress has been slow and many countries are still struggling to hold up their end of the deal. Fortunately, some have made it a priority to put the necessary infrastructure in place to allow everyone to enjoy their destination. Here are three of our favorite spots that have put significant effort into providing accessibility for their residents and tourists alike.

Barcelona, Spain

Despite recent turmoil between the Catalonia region and the Spanish government, Barcelona should be on any aspiring globetrotter’s list. Though many of western Europe’s castles and churches may seem similar to the untrained eye, even the architecturally challenged will quickly notice the uniqueness of Catalonia native Antoni Gaudí’s creations. His famous Basilica of the Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882, and though he probably didn’t include accessibility plans in his original blueprints, wheelchair users today are able to appreciate his magnificently detailed design from both inside and out. Other accessible must-sees include the city’s main drag, La Ramblas, and its famous market, La Boqueria, as well as Nova Icaria Beach which has amphibian wheelchairs and volunteers ready to help you get into the water. Sports fans should book tickets to an FC Barça match, one of Europe’s most famous football (aka soccer to us North Americans) clubs. Their home field, Camp Nou, is the second largest soccer stadium in the world with a capacity of nearly 100,000 and includes a designated wheelchair accessible area. Your ticket gets your caregiver in for free, but be sure to book early as seats sell out quickly!

Useful links:

BarcelonaTurisme’s Accessible Informational Website

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (public transportation accessibility information)

Singapore

With a year-round average temperature of around 80ºF, world class shopping, beaches, very little crime, and a commitment to accessibility, who wouldn’t want to escape to Singapore? Widely known as a family-friendly destination, kids and adults alike will enjoy the Botanic Gardens which include an accessible educational center for children to learn about plants and all things nature. Get a 360º view of the island from the Singapore Flyer (a Ferris wheel nearly as tall as Las Vegas’ High Roller) by booking tickets in advance to make sure staff is on hand to assist you with boarding. You also won’t want to miss Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare nature park that will make you feel like you’re in some sort of Avatar-like fantasy world.

Useful links:

SMRT (public transportation accessibility information)

Singapore Flyer

Gardens by the Bay

Sydney, Australia

Sick of navigating snow and ice already this winter? Consider catching a flight to Sydney where the average high from December to February is around 78ºF. Since enacting the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act in 1992, Australia has been actively working toward eliminating discrimination against persons with disabilities and improving the accessibility of public spaces. Take a roll through Sydney Harbour before catching a show at the world-renown Opera House, which contrary to its name, actually hosts a variety of events including arts festivals, rock concerts, kid-friendly spectacles, and more. The Sydney Tower Eye allows wheelchair users to take in skyline views from above, and the Royal Botanic Gardens provide access to nature without having to venture out of the city. Access to several of the area beaches, including the popular Manly beach, is possible by taking a wheelchair-friendly ferry ride.

Useful Links:

Sydney Accessibility Map (beta)

Sydney For All website

Transport for NSW (public transportation accessibility information)

Plan Ahead!

All three of our favorite travel spots have accessible public transportation systems, but before leaving, be sure to check transit websites for the most updated information. Unfortunately, most hotel booking websites aren’t quite up-to-par when it comes to finding truly accessible accommodations. Companies like Handiscover and Airbnb (who recently acquired Accomable) are aiming to fix that, but they are still in beginning stages. Call hotels and airlines directly before reserving to confirm they can meet your individual needs. Also, remember that no travel destination is perfect. Barcelona is notorious for pickpockets, Singapore has laws that may seem strange to westerners (don’t bring any chewing gum with you), and getting to Sydney from the United States is quite a trek. However, doing your homework and planning ahead can help you prepare for any potential mishaps and allow you to fully appreciate everything these amazing sights have to offer. Now get out there and discover the world!

Planning a trip? Be sure you’re prepared and have all of the catheter and ostomy supplies you need.

Tips for Optimal Health After Ostomy Surgery

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Any major surgery is bound to take a toll on both your physical and mental health and an ostomy surgery is no different. Though the first few weeks after an operation may be trying, keeping the long-term goal in mind of bettering your health and alleviating pain and other bothersome symptoms can help you get through the healing process. In order to fully recover after surgery and arrive at the point where you start noticing and feeling its benefits, you’ll need a little time, patience, and some well-thought-out effort. So, what can you do after surgery to work toward optimal health?

Keep Tabs on Your Mental Health

As trite as it may sound, adopting a positive attitude can do wonders when trying to get back into the groove of everyday life. Accepting the fact that tending to your stoma is now part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth and taking a shower, will make it seem like less of a burden.

Picking up a new hobby or getting back into an old one can also keep your mind from honing in on any negative feelings you may have regarding your stoma. Learning something unfamiliar or returning to an activity you’ve enjoyed in the past stimulates your brain and gives it something to focus on other than those potential nasty, albeit natural, blues. Of course, talk to your doctor beforehand to make sure any activities you’re doing won’t interfere with the healing process.

If you’re feeling extremely down in the dumps for an extended period of time after your surgery, talk to your doctor as soon as possible and seek out support groups in your area. Knowing you’re not alone and talking through your experience with fellow ostomates will more often than not provide some relief.

Get Proper Nutrition and Exercise

Getting adequate nutrition following your surgery can be tough at first. You will most likely have to adapt your diet in some way to accommodate your new digestive system. Your doctor will provide a list of foods to avoid while you’re still healing, so make sure to follow it to a T. Once you’re able to start reintroducing foods into your diet, you may find that some of your previous staples no longer sit well with you. If you often feel uncomfortable after eating, start a journal to record the contents of each meal in detail as well as any physical symptoms you experience within the ensuing hours. It is also helpful to keep an eye on the contents of your bag and note anything out of the ordinary. This will help you pinpoint what is causing discomfort. Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly may also provide some relief. And don’t forget to hydrate regularly throughout the day!

With your doctor’s approval, start exercising lightly as soon as possible — and we stress lightly. Your body has gone through a major change, so don’t expect to go out and run a marathon or climb a mountain right away. Ease your body back into things by picking a low impact activity such as light walking or swimming or even a gentle stretching routine. Give your body time to adapt by increasing intensity little by little.

Find What Works For You

Finding the right pouching system is one of the most important pieces of working toward optimal health. Immediately following your surgery, your health professionals will determine which system works best for you. However, within the first few weeks of being on the mend, your body will show some changes as it starts to adapt to your stoma. You may lose or gain weight and your stoma may shrink in size. Be sure to measure it every few days and note any changes.

No matter which pouching system you use, keeping the skin surrounding your stoma healthy is crucial. Make sure to follow the directions for your system carefully and check it regularly for leaks as moisture can cause irritation. If you are having leakage problems with your initial pouching system, now is a good time to look at other options. Coloplast’s BodyCheck is a great tool to help you find a system adapted to your current situation, and if you order your supplies from Comfort Medical, we’d be happy to send you some samples to test!

A New Healthy You is Just Around the Corner!

After any major surgery, the road to recovery is bound to be long, winding, and bumpy, but don’t be discouraged! With a positive outlook, healthy habits, and a little trial and error, you’ll make your way back to optimal health in no time — and you’ll likely feel even better than before your ostomy!

Finding Your New Normal After an Ostomy

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If you’re scheduled for a stoma operation or have recently had one, you may have a million questions running through your head. How painful will the operation be? Will having an ostomy completely change my daily routine? Will it really alleviate my pain? Along with these pragmatic questions, you are probably experiencing a host of emotions as well. Perhaps you’re feeling anxious, scared, or like you’ve lost your sense of control. Disgust or anger with your body are also common responses. All of these questions and emotions are completely normal; you are going through a life-changing event, after all! Although the healing process may seem long and drawn out, rest assured that with a little effort, you will find your new normal, and here are some tips to help you do just that!

Before and After Surgery

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a stupid question.” So, if you’ve been pondering something in your head, go ahead and blurt it out! Doctors and medical staff are there to help you, and they’ve without a doubt already heard any imaginable question you come up with. You will most definitely feel better once you get the answers you’ve been lacking!

It is also important to take your doctor’s orders to heart. They will likely give you a list of dos and don’ts, and each item on that list is there for good reason. You may be anxious to get back to your regular routine, but rushing the recovery process may actually end up extending it. So, take your time and be patient!

Heading Home

Once you get home from the hospital, creating new habits will help you get settled into a new routine. Find an easily accessible area in your home to keep your ostomy supplies, and make sure you have a system in place to recognize when you’re running low. Using a mail-order service such as Comfort Medical’s free membership program can ease a lot of the hassle of obtaining your supplies on a regular basis. They will customize a program for you to ensure you get your supplies when needed, and they even take care of insurance claims on your behalf!

Back to Work

Depending on your line of work, you may or may not feel the need to tell your boss about your ostomy. This is a personal choice and entirely up to you. If you prefer remaining discreet about it and your daily job duties aren’t affected (in most cases, they’re not), by all means, do as you please. Don’t forget to bring extra supplies to work with you, and if you have a personal space like a desk or a locker, it’s a good idea to stash some supplies, a change of clothes, and maybe a deodorizing spray there as well.

Social Life & Intimacy

If you feel comfortable, tell your friends and family about your ostomy. Being open and frank can help mitigate the pressure you may be feeling to keep it a secret. Once it’s out in the open, most people won’t even think twice about it! If you do feel the need to be discreet, that is completely fine, too!

When it comes to dating, be sure to talk to your doctor about how your stoma operation may have physiologically affected your sexual organs. Chances are, you won’t experience any functional changes, but you may, however, be feeling a little embarrassed at the thought of a new partner seeing you au naturel for the first time. Talking openly about your ostomy with your partner is key to easing both of your potential concerns.

Physical Activity & Sports

If you are an avid athlete, you may have the urge to get your body moving as soon as possible after surgery. Make sure you consult your doctor first and start out slowly. Once you have the green light, there’s no reason having an ostomy should keep you from your typical exercise routine or playing the sports you love.

Traveling

You may be worried about the logistics of traveling as an ostomate, but with a little planning, you can enjoy the wonders of the world with ease of mind. Remember to always have extra supplies with you, and if traveling for an extended period of time, make sure you have enough to last the entire trip and then some. If traveling by plane, pack your ostomy essentials in your carry-on. If your checked luggage gets lost, that will buy you some time before seeking out a pharmacy at your travel destination.

Emotional Support

If you feel the need for emotional support, seek out ostomate groups in your area or make an appointment with a therapist. There are countless forums and social media groups filled with members who have been through the same or similar situation as you. It always helps to get advice and tips from fellow ostomates, and simply knowing that you’re not alone may prove to be a huge relief.

Once settled into a new normal, many people claim that they no longer give much thought to their ostomy. As long as you’re prepared for any situation, life post-stoma surgery can be as comfortable, professional, sociable, and enjoyable as life beforehand. Comfort Medical is here to help you find your new normal by ensuring you’re using the best supplies for your situation and that you never run out.

“I would definitely [recommend Comfort Medical]. They’re very accommodating. They’re very helpful. They’re very good in every way.”

-Marilyn Butler, Comfort Medical customer

Give us a call at 1-800-719-1663 to talk about your individual needs and we’ll get your first set of supplies out to you right away!

What’s Causing My Bladder Problems

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Medical conditions causing bladder/urinary problems are categorized as neurogenic or non-neurogenic. Some conditions can cause urinary retention or may completely prevent the bladder from emptying and require catheterization.

Neurogenic Conditions that Can Cause Urinary Problems

Conditions causing damage to the nervous system include:

  • Spinal cord injury
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Spina bifida
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Stroke

Symptoms vary depending on where the neurological damage occurs and how severe it is.

Other medical conditions causing bladder issues

A non-neurogenic medical condition causing urinary problems is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) also known as enlarged prostate. Men diagnosed with BPH have an enlarged prostate which can cause urinary symptoms to appear as the prostate grows. Symptoms can become very bothersome and if severe, an intermittent catheter, medicine or an operation may be needed.

  • BPH (enlarged prostate)
  • Prostate or bladder surgery
  • Bladder cancer
  • Aging

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Advice on Finding Dietary Balance After an Ostomy

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A lot of people with an ostomy can consume what they want unless the surgeon or ostomy therapist has given them a strict diet to follow. But, before the surgery, some foods may be easier to digest than others. After the surgery, listen to your body on what foods work best for you.

What to Eat Right After Surgery

The most recent research shows that the sooner you eat after surgery, the sooner the intestinal system will function normally again. Just remember to chew your food thoroughly, so that it’s easier to digest.

Recommendations for the first 2-4 weeks

  • During the healing process, try to eat foods that are softer, so that they will be easier to digest.
  • Eating smaller meals more often will help with bloating.
  • Nothing too fancy during this time, keep the foods you’re eating simple and bland.
  • Chew your food well. The more broken down the food is, the easier it will be to digest.

Week 4-6 after ostomy surgery

  • In the first 4-6 weeks after an ostomy procedure, you may experience a lack of appetite.
  • It can be necessary to supplement the diet with protein and energy drinks. They can be bought at the pharmacy or made from scratch.

Is there anything I can’t eat?

You don’t have to restrict yourself from certain foods, but it’s good to know that different food will have different effects on the output from your stoma. If there’s a particular kind of food that you’re unsure about, try a small amount first.  If there are no problems, then have at it!

There’s no need to worry about trying new foods. Just be sure that you pay attention to how each food affects your body, and cut down on the foods that produce more gas.  It may take a little trial-and-error to find nutritional balance that’s right for you. Some foods, especially higfiberre foods, can cause a food blockage, where undigested parts of food block the bowel. Chewing well can help, but a food blockage can be serious.

How about fruit and vegetables?

You can still get in all of the good stuff. The skins of some fruits and vegetables are really tough, so it might be best to peel them to avoid any problems, especially potato skins and apple skins. And maybe you need to prepare your fruit and vegetables in new ways – try soups to get those vegetables in, or maybe try some fruit smoothies.

Allowing vegetables to soften a bit during cooking can also help, or try mashing some of those root vegetables.

What if I have an accident?

Don’t let one bad experience keep you from eating that one food for the rest of your life. Only if it happens repetitively you should consider taking the food out of your diet. Just remember, everyone has different reactions, so what works for one may not work for one other.

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